What Size Awning Do I Need?

There are a range of factors that go into choosing the right size retractable awning for your outdoor area. Luckily, we have compiled this guide to help you choose the right awning to suit any outdoor residential or commercial space.

What Factors Go into Awning Size?

There’s more to an awning than how much shade it provides. Here are the key components that contribute to awning size:

Awning Width

This pertains to the length of the wall-mounted bar of the awning. To measure the width, use a tape measure to line horizontally across the wall. Don’t worry about interfering with any gutters, the use of brackets will allow the awning to sit in front of them.

You can also pair awnings together to extend the width for larger-scale coverage beyond 7m. This is suitable across patio, veranda and conservatory outdoor area designs while having synchronised remote control operation. You can also install them with a single front bar and a bridging section between gaps in the fabric for a more cohesive display.

Awning Projection

This is how far the awning extends away from the wall and is measured as if the tap measure is flush with the fabric. The length of the projection will depend on how much shade coverage you want but it will usually be less than four metres.

The recommendation is for the awning projection to be 0.5m less than the width – for example, if an awning is 3m in width, its projection should be 2.5m. If you are unsure about how much projection you require, speak with your retractable awning supplier to discuss your options.

Awning Pitch

This is the angle of the awning from front to back. Its function allows for rain to run off without compromising head height or shade coverage. The angle of the pitch also contributes to the speed at which rain runs off to prevent puddling. 

A popular pitch angle is around 14° for standard patio awnings but the angles can vary from 5° – 50° to suit your requirements and will be fixed in place by your installation team.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Awning Size

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right awning size for you:

Measuring Your Space

The size of your outdoor area will dictate the type and size of your awning. If you want to optimise larger outdoor spaces, a larger awning will need to provide an adequate amount of coverage. Smaller patios areas will not require as much coverage especially if there is existing protection.

Measure out the coverage space that you need, including the size of windows, outdoor door walls and spaces with patio sets as well.

The Direction of Your Home

The direction of the home will affect the projection of the awning. If you have an east or west-facing exposure then an awning with a 3m projection is suitable. Homes with patio sets or spaces away from the house, however, may need 3.5 – 4m projections to provide enough shade. 

Homes that are north or south facing require more width to the awning to cover the area adequately. Adding roughly 1m to the width of the area should provide the right level of coverage. 

For more advice about how the direction of your home will affect the size of the awning, speak with an outdoor awning supplier.

Outdoor Accessories

This may mean the addition of a privacy screen, outdoor blinds or retractable roofs to further protect your outdoor area. This allows you to fix the shade at the right height as well as offer further protection against the elements.

Choose Australia’s Quality Retractable Awning Supplier

It’s important to prioritise a durable and functional retractable awning that will provide a long-lasting shade solution custom made to any residential or commercial outdoor area. Helioscreen is Australia’s leading supplier of retractable awnings, contact us for more information on choosing the right retractable awning for your needs.